Our founder Ryu Okada is a highly accomplished mixologist, sommelier, and entrepreneur. He spent over 10 years at top cocktail bars in Tokyo and London before launching his first business venture in 2013, Kampai Cocktails  – a highly successful mobile cocktail bar company. Fast forward to March 2023, Ryu invented the world’s first Tea Spritz brand, ‘Wicker Basket’, in Brighton & Hove.

Before visiting, Ryu had a limited understanding of Britain’s food and drink scene. However, he quickly discovered the quality of British homegrown produce. Whether it is a handmade pie from the butchers, a beer from a local brewery or a farmhouse cheese, these artisan traditions reminded him of Japan, where every town has unique produce linked to local tradition.

As he explored local specialities, Ryu sensed that British produce and heritage were undervalued. And so, Ryu used his expertise as a mixologist and sommelier to create Wicker Basket, a celebration of the UK’s two most adored drinks - Tea and Alcohol!

P.S. Ryu initially wanted to call the brand 'Woven Basket' (for its association with picking tea and picnic baskets). However, being Japanese, he could not pronounce 'woven', hence the name, 'Wicker Basket'. As time goes by, we love the name even more!